Soccer in the United States has a varied history. Research indicates that the modern game entered the country during the 1850s with New Orleans' Scottish, Irish, German and Italian immigrants. Some of
Illustration depicting an Oneida football game, published on The Boston Globe in the 1860s
"The Foot-Ball Match" chronicled the first collegiate game between Rutgers and Princeton in The Targum, November 1869
Paterson True Blues, champions of American Cup in 1896
Bethlehem Steel, one of the most successful clubs in the 1910s and 1920s
Soccer in the United States
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Soccer in the United States is the fourth most popular sport behind American football, basketball, and baseball, respectively. 27% of U.S. sports fans show an interest in soccer.
History of soccer in the United States
…Pasuckuakohowog, a 17th-century Native American form of football Soccer in the United States United Soccer League…
The USMNT playing at the TQL Stadium in 2021
Pelé crying while teammate Carlos Alberto consoles him, at the end of his speech during Pelé's farewell match, October 1977 (New York Cosmos)
Lionel Messi, regarded as one of the greatest soccer/football players in history playing for MLS team Inter Miami in 2025.
Columbus Crew fans in 2023